Art of the Day: Vixen

Artwork: Vixen by Jordan Barbosa

Art of the Day: Vixen

Artwork: Vixen: Return of the Lion issue #4 cover by Joshua Middleton

Art of the Day: Vixen

Artwork: Vixen by Phil Cho

Press Release: The Return of Justice League of America

DC Comics is bringing back Justice League of America in 2017, read the press release below to find out more about it.

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The JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA is back — just when we need it most!

Foes of evil! Enemies of injustice! As it began in DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH, for the mighty heroes of the Justice League of America, all wrongdoing is a menace to be stamped out! Whether it comes from outer space, from the watery depths of the seven seas, or springs from the minds of men, the JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA is back — just when we need it most!

Art of the Day: Mari McCabe

Artwork: Mari McCabe by Phil Cho (phil-cho)

Toy Corner: Vixen Action Figure (Arrow)

Although, this Vixen action figure doesn't quite look like actress Megalyn Echikunwoke (see below), I'm still interested in getting this. If you don't already know, Echikunwoke is not only the voice for Vixen in the Vixen animated series but she also got a chance to suit up as the character for a live action episode of Arrow. How cool is that? There are not many actors that have had that honor.

This action figure which at the moment can only be pre-ordered is over 6 inches tall and includes several interchangeable hands.

You know I plan on getting this, I can't wait to add this to my collection.

Vixen Action Figure (Arrow)            $29.95          WB Shop  (wbshop.com)

365 Days of Books of Interest: Day #181: DC Spotlight: Vixen

I'm a big fan of Vixen's and I feel like the character is so underrated. I'm still disappointed that she doesn't have a comic book series in the new DC Comics Rebirth nor a live action TV series on the CW network. I guess I will have to be content with picking up this best of book, at least for now.

Who ever wrote up the description for this book didn't do a very good job with it. I tweaked it a bit and added in a little more information.

Here's the description before I fixed it:

Featuring the star of the CW Seed animated digital series Vixen!

Since her first appearance in ACTION COMICS, Vixen has been featured in SUICIDE SQUAD, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, her own limited series written by G. Willow Wilson (Ms. Marvel), and now in CW Seed's Vixen--set in the same universe as the hit CW TV shows Arrow and The Flash. Co-created by Gerry Conway (co-creator of Punisher), Vixen was one of DC Comics' first African superheroes and she has continued to be a fan-favorite character since the 1980s.

Read never-before-collected issues and fan-favorite stories starring Vixen in this "best of" compilation!

Book: DC Spotlight: Vixen by various writers and artists

Publication: August 16, 2016

Description (with a little editing by me):

Since her first appearance in Action Comics #521, Vixen has been featured in numerous comic book series including: Suicide Squad, Justice League of America, Birds of Prey, and her own limited series Vixen: Return of the Lion written by G. Willow Wilson and more. In 2015, Vixen premiered in the CW Seed's Vixen animated web series -- set in the same universe as the CW TV series Arrow and The Flash.

Besides being featured in her own animated series, Vixen was also in the Justice League Unlimited animated series, Batman: The Brave and The Bold animated series and had a minor cameo in Teen Titans Go! animated series. Vixen a.k.a. Mari Jiwe McCabe was created by Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner and was one of DC Comics' first African superheroes. She continues to be a fan-favorite character ever since her debut in 1981.

Read never-before-collected issues and fan-favorite stories starring Vixen in this "best of" compilation!

Art of the Day: Vixen (from Arrow)

Artwork: Vixen from the Arrow TV series by Glee-chan

I was really hoping that Vixen would get a live action TV series on The CW network. Even though I'm looking forward to watching the second season of the animated series it makes no sense why Vixen wasn't given a live action series.

Art of the Day: Vixen

Artwork: Vixen by AviKishundat

I'm looking forward to the second season of the Vixen animated series (even if I do hope there will be a live action one as well). I really hope that the episodes will be longer this time around.

Books of Interest: My Little Pony: A Canterlot Wedding and Best of Vixen

These two books are both on my watch list and wishlist. I love watching My Little Pony and I love reading the comic books. I think it's interesting that they turned the wedding 2 part episode into a special comic book.

As a long time fan, I'm glad that Vixen is finally starting to get more attention. She was pretty much sacked in the New 52 but thanks to the animated series, interest in the character has grown especially from a lot of new fans. To capitalize on this new interest, DC Comics will be releasing a Best of Vixen compilation book.

Can't wait to read both of these.

Book: My Little Pony: A Canterlot Wedding by various writers and artists

Publication: January 14, 2016

Description:

The celebrated animated series comes to book shelves! Revisit the habitants of Equestria and learn about the magic that friendship brings in this adaptation of the television series. This volume adapts the season two finale event "A Canterlot Wedding" parts 1 & 2.

Book: Best of Vixen by various writers and artists

Publication: August 16, 2016

Description:

Since her first appearance in ACTION COMICS, Vixen has been featured in SUICIDE SQUAD, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, her own limited series written by G. Willow Wilson (Ms. Marvel), and now in CW Seed's Vixen--set in the same universe as the hit CW TV shows Arrow and The Flash. Co-created by Gerry Conway (co-creator of Punisher), Vixen was one of DC Comics' first African superheroes and she has continued to be a fan-favorite character since the 1980s.

Read never-before-collected issues and fan-favorite stories starring Vixen in this "best of" compilation!

Art of the Day: Misty Knight, Vixen, Virtue, Skyboarder, Rocket and Storm

Artwork: Misty Knight, Vixen, Virtue, Skyboarder, Rocket and Storm by Joanna Johnen

Although comic books are becoming more diverse, you still don't see as much fan art that depicts that (even though I am starting to see a lot more). Which is why I think this is pretty cool, the characters presented are from L to R:


Misty Knight (Marvel)

Vixen (DC Comics)

Virtue (DC Comics, from The Movement comic book series)

Skyboarder (original character created by C.S. R Calloway)

Rocket (DC Comic/Milestone)

Storm (Marvel)

TV Round Up: Vixen episodes #3-6

Vixen animated series  CW Seed (cwseed.com)

I'm disappointed that Supergirl, The Flash, Arrow, Gotham and the upcoming Legends of Tomorrow all have live action shows but Vixen only got an animated series. If you can even count it as a series since the six episodes range in time from a little over 3 minutes to less than 7 minutes per show. They couldn't even bother to make it a half hour or an hour per episode.

Something else that annoyed me about this whole thing is that they had to feature The Flash and Green Arrow characters instead of letting Vixen star in her own albeit diminutive series. Yes, I know it's connected to the Arrow/Flash universe but they didn't need to show them for that to work.

Something that I do love is how Mari/Vixen is written in the series but there is just not enough screen time for this show.

Now that my rant is over here's my review for the last four episodes:


Episode #3:

In this episode, Mari was talking things over with her foster dad while trying to figure out her new purpose now that she knows what her necklace can do. She demonstrated a few of her abilities to her dad but before she could make any decisions about what she was going to do, The Flash and Green Arrow show up unannounced and unwelcomed at her dad's home. Not waiting around to find out what they want, she invokes the power of the cheetah and runs off.


Episode #4:

This episode picks up right where the third one ended with Mari attempting to get away from Green Arrow and The Flash. As both "heroes" chase her throughout the city and not to mention Green Arrow was shooting arrows at her, they claimed they only showed up just to talk. Really, who shoots arrows at someone just to talk.

This episode would have been better without those two idiots showing up as well as the presence of Felicity. Oh and stupid Green Arrow didn't even believe Mari when she told them she wasn't in Central City when the particle accelerator exploded instead he had to contact Felicity and have her tell him the exact same thing Mari said. How ridiculous is that? Thankfully she told those two idiots off before she took off.

With most of the episode wasted on that nonsense, Mari trying to seek additional information about her necklace went back to the university to see Professor Macalester. Unfortunately for her it turned into an ambush with a mysterious woman and her two goons showing up to take the necklace.


Episode #5:

In Mari's attempt to get away from the mysterious woman, she was shot but when she woke up she was in for a huge shock. For one thing she was no longer in Detroit but in Africa and two she found out who the mysterious woman was, Kuasa her older sister. While there she found out the truth about the necklace and why her sister wanted it. Although the necklace had bonded with Mari that was not going to stop her sister from trying to get it.


Episode #6:

In this last episode, Mari had to go up against her sister to get back the necklace. During all of this, she discovered who she really was and now knew what she wanted to do which was to go back home to Detroit and be the hero of her city. But talking that over with her dad didn't last long before those two idiots showed up again, seriously they didn't need to be on this show. Of course Oliver was doing that same old spiel he gives to anyone trying to be a hero, that they're not trained. Who made him the authority on who should or should not be a hero? He really is just as off putting on this show as much as he is on his own show.

I loved that Mari wanted to figure things out for herself instead of immediately joining up with the Arrow/Flash brigade. Although I do wish she was the one who came up with her code name instead of Cisco.


I really do want a full length Vixen series, be it animated or live action but I definitely only want it to focus on Vixen and building up her world. Episodes #1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 were rather good but episodes #4 and the ending of #6 spent way too much time showing The Flash and Green Arrow which took away from the focus of the show, which is Vixen. There was no point in Cisco, The Flash, Green Arrow and Felicity (at least it was only her voice) even being on this show.

Overall, these six episodes are fascinating to watch and if you have not seen them yet, please give them a chance.

Art of the Day: Vixen

Artwork: Vixen (DC Comics Cover Girls) by Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau

TV Round Up: Vixen episode #2

Vixen animated series  CW Seed (cwseed.com)

I did hope the second episode would be longer and it was, barely.

In this episode, Mari found out the truth about her necklace which gave her the strength and other abilities of animals just in time to stop the three crooks who attacked her and her foster father.

She had thought the necklace was nothing more than just jewelry that she inherited from her mother but now she has more questions. She thought she could get some of her questions answered by Professor Macalester but nothing transpired there. However, it does appear that the professor may be connected to someone who is eager to acquire that necklace.

This was another good episode but it almost feels like a joke to call it that, since it's only a few minutes. I still don't know why this show didn't get a proper 20+ minutes per episodes?

TV Round Up: Vixen episode #1

Vixen animated series  CW Seed (cwseed.com)

I just finished watching the first episode of Vixen and it's really good. My only problem is the episode is only 5 minutes long. Seriously, 5 minutes and with six episodes in total I can only hope more time will be added on for the second episode.

In this first episode, Mari McCabe found herself in jail after a lousy job interview and after being released her necklace was getting quite a lot of attention. Be it from a police officer trying to buy it from her to several criminals aiming to steal it. Is that family heirloom of hers hiding a mystery?

This ends on a cliffhanger with Mari and her foster father being attacked by criminals in an attempt to get her necklace.

So, with a very good first episode, I will be watching the remainder of the series. I'm not sure if the episodes will be posted in a daily or weekly format. I'll check the site tomorrow and see.

Comic Book News: Lois and Clark's new comic book series, Vixen animated series and more

- Lois and Clark will be getting their own comic book series. Yes, this is correct. The company that has been trying their best to not only get rid of Lois and Clark's relationship but to get rid of Lois has finally decided to give them their own comic book series. I guess the success of Convergence must have made them realize that fans really do love Lois and Clark and are tired of the fauxmance.

This new series titled Superman: Lois and Clark will be spinning out of Convergence and will give readers a chance to see this version of Lois and Clark along with their son. The publishing date for this is October 14th and will be written by Dan Jurgens with illustrations by Lee Weeks. Below is the premise of the series:

Following the epic events of CONVERGENCE, here are the adventures of the last son and daughter of Krypton and Earth as they try to survive in a world not their own. But can they keep this world from suffering the same fate as their own? Can this Superman stop the villains he once fought before they are created on this world? What is Intergang, and why does Lois’s discovery of it place everyone she loves in jeopardy? And what will happen when their nine-year-old son learns the true identity of his parents?

Fashion Meets Comics: Mari McCabe (Vixen)

Illustration: Vixen: Return of the Lion

I saw this panel of Vixen and immediately thought it would make a great Fashion Meets Comics post. Gone are the days when everyone just tossed on any old thing to work out in. Now everyone wears workout clothes that makes them look as good as they feel.

Which is why I like this outfit Vixen is wearing, it's fashionable yet looks comfortable for working out in.

Double Dare Bra   $49.00   Athleta (athlete.gap.com)

Nike 'Gym Vintage' Capri Sweatpants   $45.00   Nordstrom (shop.nordstrom.com)

Comic Book News: Vixen will have her own animated series with the CW Network

Vixen a.k.a. Mari McCabe is an amazing character (when she isn't being sidelined and benched by DC Comics) and it is about time that she is finally getting more attention.

The new show titled "Vixen" will air this fall on the CW Network's online channel CW Seed and will be executive produced by Marc Guggenheim. That good new except that Vixen will be sharing the spotlight with Green Arrow (or Arrow) and The Flash. Um...why? Can she not carry her own show or do they not think guys or little boys won't watch the show unless there are male superheroes added to the show. I don't care that this show is supposed to be set during the Arrow universe, Vixen doesn't need "sidekicks" to help her fight crime.

So, I guess if Wonder Woman had an animated series with the CW Network they would feel the need to include Batman and Superman too.

I think it's good news that Vixen is finally getting a little attention since she's been shelved during the New 52, but I don't get why Green Arrow and The Flash have to tag along. Unless it's another way for the CW Network and DC Comics to remind fans about their shows.

I'm really looking forward to seeing this despite the show shoehorning The Flash and Green Arrow into the show.

Fashion Meets Comics: Vixen's Maxi Dress

Illustration: Vixen: Return of the Lion


After invoking the spirit of the jaguar, Mari proceeded to kick butt while wearing a strapless maxi dress. If that's not style made easy then I don't know how else to describe it.

Her dress is both stylish and apparently functional.

Below are a few selections that can rival Vixen's dress for style though I'm not sure how they would hold up in a fight against villains:

Strapless Maxi Dress  $39.99 (sale, regular price $79.95)   The Limited   thelimited.com

dee elle Illusion Panel Maxi Dress  $24.98 (sale, regular price $50.00)  Nordstrom   nordstrom.com

Tularosa Dawn Dress  $124.00 (for pre-order)   Revolve  revolveclothing.com

Colorblocked Maxi Dress  $17.80  Forever21  forever21.com

Soprano Print Ruffled Bodice Maxi Dress   $28.80 (sale, regular price $48.00)  Nordstrom  nordstrom.com

Where is Vixen (Mari Jiwe McCabe) in the New 52?

Not since the 18th issue of Justice League has Vixen been seen in the New 52. She was part of the JL recruitment tryout and no surprise she didn't make the team. I don't know why, she was a member of the JL pre-52 but not good enough to be on the team in the New 52.

It's bad enough they sidelined her with serious injuries in that ill-conceived Justice League International series (which surprised no one when it was canceled) but some how after healing from her injuries she can't even be a part of the JL.

Why write about this now? I know it's been a while since that issue was published but I had been thinking about it recently. And it just bugs me that Vixen is such an awesome character despite being underrated and underused, and for some reason DC Comics doesn't seem to think she's worth showcasing in the New 52.

Well, hopefully she will show up sometime soon because I don't understand why they would chose to shelve yet another character again for no reason.